Louisiana native Lisa Carnley, owner of the Cajun Stop, outside of her restaurant.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

Louisiana native Lisa Carnley, owner of the Cajun Stop, outside of...

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Portrait of Lisa Carnley, owner of The Cajun Stop at 2130 Jeferson St. Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Houston. Carnley, a New Orleans native, found herself in Houston after making a few stops along the way due to Hurricane Katrina. She is now serving up food that reminds her of home. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

Portrait of Lisa Carnley, owner of The Cajun Stop at 2130 Jeferson...

Image 3 of 13

Portrait of Lisa Carnley, owner of The Cajun Stop at 2130 Jeferson St. Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Houston. Carnley, a New Orleans native, found herself in Houston after making a few stops along the way due to Hurricane Katrina. She is now serving up food that reminds her of home. ( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle )

If you want an indication that tourists have returned in strength to a city devastated by Katrina three summers back, take a look at the landmark New Orleans' Café du Monde, the most famous coffeehouse in America, and arguably the world. (Howard Shapiro/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT)

If devoted customers of Lisa Carnley's po-boy shop see her smile just a bit broader or observe a little more bounce in her step, it's because she's marking a happy anniversary.

This week, her little restaurant with a big heart turns four. And after some legal bad blood over the shop's original name, the four-year mark is a testament to her perseverance.

The Cajun Stop is a real deal New Orleans-style po-boy shop that Carnley began in 2009 with partners who have since moved on. In an unassuming spot on the eastern edge of downtown, it is frequented by repeat customers whose good word of mouth also draws plenty of newbies.

Carnley has invested the modest operation with an abundance of let-the-good-times-roll bonhomie and, of course, good food. She grew up knowing Cajun staples from working in her grandparent's po-boy shop in Mississippi, and from living in Houma, La.

"I've known since I was a little girl that I wanted a restaurant," she said.

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But that opportunity came only after Hurricane Katrina forced her from her home in New Orleans. She spent some time after the disaster in Mississippi and Florida but wound up in Houston in 2009. After several attempts at "starting over," Houston felt right, she said.

And Houston foodies who appreciate Cajun food felt right at home with the woman who served them sloppy roast beef po-boys, gumbo, beans and rice, fried shrimp and catfish, boudin balls, frogs legs and bread pudding.

Carnley also throws in occasional specials that meld her Vietnamese and Cajun heritage, such as boudin egg rolls and crawfish fried rice. "I am Vietnamese in blood but at heart, all Cajun American," she said.

On the eve of her restaurant's fourth birthday, Carnley is excited about things she has planned to grow the Cajun Stop, including expanding her dining space, new signage, new shirts with logos for her employees and plans for including breakfast hours. She recently added a brunch menu that features Eggs Sardou, Eggs Benedict, raspberry french toast and warm oyster dip. And she's determined to start making fresh, hot beignets.

Carnley won't divulge where her po-boy bread comes from - "My bread fairies drop it off at the door each morning" - but that's OK. Her customers are content. And she's proud she's making the Cajun Stop a place where they feel at home.

"This is one of the few businesses where you can make people happy," said Carnley. "They may not come in happy, but if you're nice to them and feed them, they leave happy. I've done my job when they leave here happy."

HERE ARE a few MORE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CARNLEY:

My favorite food is my Grandma Le's Bun Bo Hue with all the trimmings. It's a traditional spicy beef soup. She passed down the recipe to me so once a year I make this dish for my extended family in Houma. It's awesome. I'll take two big bowls and a nap.

I'd like to go to Vietnam one day, since that's where my ancestors came from, just to say "yes, I've been." Everyone says you have to visit your homeland at least once.

My recent discovery of Rice Village has my vote for a favorite hangout spot. There's a good variety of food - and tons of shopping with some fun bargains without mall traffic that my son and I both enjoy. It's the perfect spot to hit up after a tough day.

My culinary hero is chef John D. Folse, because he wrote "The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine." I am not a big recipe book fan, but I sure love his.

When I think of New Orleans, I miss my friends and the Southern hospitality. It's a city where you don't have to know someone to be someone. Everyone is always welcome everywhere, and when you walk into a home they want to make sure your thirst is quenched and your tummy is full.

I like the concept of the open kitchen and chef's table. Aside from it being a great note-taking opportunity, it feels like I'm sitting at home in the kitchen watching them whip up my meal. Love it!

I'm not a TV fan. I prefer "House" or "Criminal Minds" or no TV at all. I like shows that make you think a little.